Mankessim, (C/R) June 27, GNA - The Ministry of Trade and Industry has sensitized the residents of Mankessim on the Industrial Sector Support Programme and the harmful effects of pirated textiles on users and the national economy.

Nana Kwasi Sarpong, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry, said in line with the Ministry's mandated responsibility to help transform enterprises, strengthen the growth of industry and trade, generate employment and help to improve the livelihood of the people, it was duty bound to reach out to the people to let them know the good and bad practices in the sector.

Mankessim has since antiquity been a vibrant commercial town in the Central Region.

Nana Sarpong explained that the Industrial Policy launched by the government is meant to protect Ghanaian industries, particularly, by enforcing the laws on the ban on pirated textile designs, violating factories, imported imitated designs and used underwear.

The PRO explained that before one could import textiles, he or she must apply to a Vetting Committee of the Ministry to convince the Committee that such type of textiles were not available in the country.

Mr Prince Isaac Arthur, Head of Destination Inspection Department, said 25,000 workers were employed in textile factories in 1975, but the number has now reduced to 3,000 due to the importation and smuggling of pirated and inferior textiles.

Mr Arthur said flooding the Ghanaian markets with such types of cheaper cloths had reduced the patronage of fabrics produced by the Ghanaian factories making them run at a loss.

He said GH¢30 million is lost to the state through such activities. He stated that the law forbids the copying of a textile design, which is less than 15 years, of a factory, and a task force for the Ghana Standards Board could confiscate such textiles and other products, which were not properly imported.

Mr Joe Tackie, Coordinator, Trade Sector Support Programme, said the new Industrial Policy enjoined Ministries of Land and Natural Resources, Trade and Industries Finance and Economic Planning Food and Agriculture and Energy to liaise to see improved production and distribution of goods in the country.

They would also see to the education, research and technology on the use of industrial machines to improve quality and offer financial support to entrepreneurs, especially women.

Nana Opoku Akwaa II, Mankrado of Mankessim, commended the Ministry for organizing the open day and appealed to other Ministries and Organizations to do same to make the people know about their establishments.

The programme is part of the Public Service Week Celebration.